$1.3M United Way campaign goal set

With eyes wide open, The United Way of Anderson County board of directors under the leadership of the Campaign Crew of Edwena, Charles, Rebecca and Nick Crowe, have established a fundraising goal of $1.3 million for the fall 2013 campaign.

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By The Crowe Family/Guest column

Oakridger - Oak Ridge, TN

By The Crowe Family/Guest column

Posted Sep. 26, 2013 at 10:07 PM

By The Crowe Family/Guest column

Posted Sep. 26, 2013 at 10:07 PM

With eyes wide open, The United Way of Anderson County board of directors under the leadership of the Campaign Crew of Edwena, Charles, Rebecca and Nick Crowe, have established a fundraising goal of $1.3 million for the fall 2013 campaign.

“We recognize this is a bold goal, one that may be difficult to achieve,” Charles Crowe said.

“Yet, we are all in this together, and together, we can begin the recovery that is so important to our county.”

UWAC witnessed a 12 percent decrease in pledges and a 50 percent increase in unpaid pledges during 2012. This “perfect storm” resulted in a 20 percent reduction in funding to partner health and human service non-profits which meet the needs of Anderson County residents.

“Staff tells me that at least once or twice a week, someone needing help with rent or utilities is told ‘There are no resources available.’ That all those funds are depleted,” said Nick Crowe.

And while it is unfortunate for those who hear “no,” it is five years in the future where the trouble for our community lies. If today, CASA of the Tennessee Heartland cannot serve a child, if Second Harvest’s food backpack program does not feed a child, if Clinch River Home Health cannot reach an isolated senior, it means that today someone goes without. However, it also means that as these dominoes fall and pile up, the outlook for a few years in the future begins to grow dim.

“When Bruce Pearl spoke to us at Y-12 a few years ago, he told us that his basketball team would not have been on the court had it not been for Boys & Girls Club,” Edwena Crowe said. “The idea that the UWAC campaign is an investment in our future is more real today than ever before.”

Economic uncertainty remains our constant companion here in Anderson County. Yet, we see some indicators of recovery around us — construction of retail and restaurants, sales tax receipts inching upward. We are also acutely aware that for many, the Great Recession has been cruel, heartless and is not over.

“It is time for us to act,” said Rebecca Crowe. “Act together, as one, in supporting UWAC this fall.”

“When UWAC asks you this fall if you will be part of our family,” the Crowes said. “Please say yes, yes I will.”

UWAC and its 34 community partners with 51 vital programs address three core needs of our community: Basic Human needs, Youth Development, and the Needs of Seniors. For more information, call 483-8431 or visit www.uwayac.org.

The Crowe family — Edwena, Charles, Rebecca and Nick Crowe — are the 2013 “Campaign Crew” for United Way of Anderson County.